Vintage Staffordshire Pearlware Reproduction Bear Baiting Jug with Dog Advertising Bear Grease

Features a Muzzled and Chained Bear Holding a Mastiff Dog.

The bear is chained from his collar to the grassy platform beneath his feet. He wears a yellow muzzle which is also latched around his neck. A yellow ribbon goes down his back reading "Bears Grease".

This jug is an early example of pottery used in advertising. Bears Grease was a hair restoring ointment, originally made from bear fat. Made from the fat of dead bears, Bear’s Grease was the Georgian equivalent to hair conditioner.  It was applied to the scalp by hairdressers to counter dryness, brittle hair & even baldness, & was believed to stimulate the growth of human hair. 

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Unmarked but would have been made AFTER 1970.  An original would dates back to the eighteenth century circa 1750. The original's head served as a cup when you pour from the jug through the dog's mouth. This one will pour through the dog's mouth, but to be honest serves better as a collectible conversation piece. 

VERY GOOD CONDITION ~ No nicks, chips, cracks, or repairs noted. The inside of the jug does display a bit of crude craftmanship around where the hole for pouring is. It just appears it was made while the clay was wet, but not sanded down.

Measures approx. 12" tall (with lid) x 9" wide x 5 1/4" deep.

Weighhs 5 lbs. 5 oz. prior to packaging.